Bengaluru likely to first experience 'flying' taxis by 2026 in India

Regulations for e-vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles soon

DGCA has formed panels to address critical aspects of air taxi operations

India is gearing up for a transformative leap in urban transportation with the introduction of air taxis. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated multiple technical committees to lay the groundwork for this ambitious project. Major cities including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are slated to be the first to experience these ‘flying’ taxis by 2026, with Chennai and Hyderabad to follow.

Infrastructure and collaboration

InterGlobe Enterprises (IGE), the parent company of IndiGo, is set to collaborate with US-based Archer Aviation to build the necessary infrastructure once India’s regulations for e-vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles are in place. The aviation authorities will establish stringent technical standards that air taxis must meet to operate in the country.

Also read: Know more about e200, India’s first flying taxi being developed by an IIT professor

Reportedly. the DGCA has formed several panels to address critical aspects of air taxi operations. These panels will focus on air navigation, establishing operational routes, and setting safety standards for vertiports. The goal is to ensure comprehensive regulatory preparedness for the launch of air taxis by 2026.

The introduction of air taxis is expected to revolutionize urban transportation in Bengaluru and other major cities, providing a swift and efficient alternative to traditional road travel. With these advancements, India aims to be at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge urban air mobility solutions.